Winter ASB

Winter Alternative Service Break is a more extensive service break which takes place during the last two weeks of winter break. There are generally three to four teams serving in different locations.  These trips vary from Spring ASB in not only the length of time but also the location.  When the ASB began in 2001, the teams were solely domestic, however these experiences have evolved to include international options.  

• Last year, 39 students and five faculty/staff advisors traveled among their teams to Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Atlanta, Georgia.  
• This Winter Break, four teams will be serving in Atlanta, GA - Pittsburgh, PA - Cai Cay, Peru - and Quito, Ecuador.

Applications are due on Friday, Sept 14 by 5pm. Apply here. 

Program Details

This winter we will be coordinating two international ASB service trips to Quito, Ecuador and Cai Cay, Peru, and two domestic ASB trips to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Atlanta, Georgia.

In Ecuador, the ASB team will be working with La Caleta, a program aimed at reintegrating street children, as well as working at Santa Lucia, an eco-reserve in the cloud forest. In Peru, the team will working on construction projects and education for the community in the town of Cai Cay.

In Pittsburgh, the team will deal with race, poverty, and access to housing as they renovate homes and work with a variety of community organizations. In Atlanta, the team will serve at homeless shelters, prepare meals,and build shelters to be given to homeless communities. All project details are tentative and subject to change.

We hold high expectations for participants and also ask them to have high expectations for themselves. If selected you will be part of a very small group of people with the opportunity to participate in a remarkable experience.

Applicants should consider the following when applying:

• While rewarding, you may experience situations that are unfamiliar and possibly uncomfortable for you. You will work hard, get your hands dirty, sweat a lot and be challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
• The ASB program puts service at the forefront of everything we do. This is not a vacation. Facilities can be less than what you are used to at home with limited access to showers and running water (especially internationally). You should expect limited comforts.
• The ASB program is open to all University of Idaho undergraduate fee-paying students.
• Service activities may involve an element of risk.
• The Center for Volunteerism and Social Action will provide 1-2 faculty/staff advisors for each team; however, students are empowered to make wise decisions in regards to their own safety and the safety of others.
• Pre and post trip meeting attendance is mandatory and absences will not be accepted. Many more students will apply for this program than we are able to accommodate and it is expected that you will fully participate in all components of the ASB program, including meetings and trainings. If you miss any meeting, we reserve the right to replace your spot with another student. 
• You will be required to attend a meeting the evening of Dec 26 prior to your departure. It is important that when you plan your holiday travel that you keep this in mind. All students must attend the pre-departure meeting.
• Your actions on this trip will not only reflect on you, but also the ASB program and the University of Idaho.
• Participants on international trips should understand that there will be limited to no contact with family and friends in the United States throughout the entire duration of the trip.
• Pre-trip meetings/trainings will occur on Oct 10, Oct 25, Nov 8, Nov 15, Nov 29, Dec 6, and Dec 26.

Program fee: International trips cost $1,200 and domestic trips cost $450 (this is the cost for participants and is only a portion of the total cost, the rest of which is heavily subsidized through student fees).

Travel Dates: Dec 27 - Jan 8

Application Deadline: Fri, Sept 14 by 5 p.m.

Process Details: Due to the high number of applicants, the ASB leadership team will review and evaluate all of the ASB applications, select a number for interviews and then select teams. You will be notified that your application has been received and is being reviewed on Monday, Sept 17. The ASB leadership team will do everything it can to keep you informed of the process and team selections will be made by Sept 30. The first all group meeting is Oct 10. If you are selected, half of the program fee ($1,200 or $450) will be due by the first all-group meeting on Oct 10. If needed, you may break your payment into two installments ($600 each or $225 each) payable on Oct 10 and Nov 8.